Strengthening healthcare system is a long-term commitment — Bong Go

Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Bong Go renewed his call for further strengthening the country's healthcare system in order to attain full pandemic recovery and be more prepared for any health crisis in the future.

"One's state of health may directly and immediately affect one's earning capacity. Especially for many of our average Filipinos who could only take home a fair day's wage for a fair day's work, getting sick has particularly dire implications," said Go.

The senator expressed his appreciation for President Bongbong Marcos' recent directive to refocus the Department of Health's attention toward other public health concerns.

"We must continue prioritizing general public health to promote the overall well-being of the Filipino people. Our plans should include intensifying our fight against tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus infections, among others commonly afflicting the Filipinos, which have serious consequences for the affected individuals and the population at large," said Go.

On top of this, the senator continues to urge the government to remain vigilant in its fight against COVID-19.

"Indeed, we have come a long way in our fight against the pandemic. We can now afford to have less strict minimum health protocols, largely because of our solid vaccination efforts that began under the previous Duterte Administration," noted Go.

He also mentioned that starting next year, COVID-19 management will be integrated into other public health programs and will not be a special program anymore, according to the health department.

But while many no longer consider controlling the virus's spread to be more urgent than reducing inflation, Go said that as long as COVID-19 is still present and continues to mutate, it poses a serious threat to everyone.

"Continued public vigilance is thus needed, especially this holiday season," he urged.

"A strong healthcare system can help prevent and control the spread of diseases and can also play a key role in promoting public health and reducing healthcare disparities," said Go.